Alabama coach Nick Saban at a press conference leading up to Monday's BCS National Championship Game victory over Notre Dame. / Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports

by Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports

by Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports

Alabama coach Nick Saban will continue to be connected with several NFL job openings as long as he continues to own the most dominant program in college football, so it's very likely that we'll all do this same dance every January.

But why not take Saban as his word? During an appearance on ESPN's Mike & Mike in the Morning on Thursday, Saban made his strongest statement yet about his interest ‚?? or lack thereof ‚?? in a return to the NFL.

Said Saban:

"I don't know how many times I have to say it. You guys don't believe it. Every time I do an interview, I have to say the same thing and you all don't believe so why do I have to keep saying it. I closed the door. Now it's two days later and you're asking me to close the door again. The damn hinges are wore out."

When discussing the differences between college football and the NFL, Saban sounded‚?¶ content. Happy. If not at ease (he's never at ease, which is part of the reason why he's built a juggernaut), Saban sounded comfortable.

"It depends on really what you want," Saban said of the comparison. "A part of coaching to me is you try to help players develop personally. You want to help develop them to be all they can be. You want them to be more successful in your life because they were part of your program.

"In the NFL, it's not really that way. It's all about people having success in their careers as football players. It's a business. It just depends on what do you enjoy the most. I kind of like seeing these guys grow and develop."

Saban went 15-17 over two seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2005-6) before returning to the FBS with the Crimson Tide. Over four different college stops (Toledo, Michigan State, LSU and Alabama), Saban has compiled a record of 154-55-1 and won four national championships. Some guys are good enough to coach at any level. Maybe Saban just prefers the college game?